YouTuber claims he was threatened by Sudi for criticizing Ruto

Gilbert Kiptalam, the owner and founder of Malema TV, a popular YouTube news channel. [Courtesy] Political intolerance within the government escalated over the weekend after Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi allegedly threatened a YouTuber for posting negative stories about President William Ruto's administration. This incident highlights a troubling trend within the ruling coalition, which includes members from both the Orange Democratic Movement and the Jubilee Party. It came just days after the incident in Bungoma County during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula's mother where leaders close to the president displayed arrogance and intolerance at anyone critical to the government. Gilbert Kiptalam, the owner and founder of Malema TV, a popular YouTube news channel, claimed that Sudi called him on Saturday at 1 PM and issued threats. In a video posted on his channel, Kiptalam stated that he reported the threats to Parklands Police Station under Occurrence Book No. 52/04/01/25, emphasizing that if he were to encounter any harm, Sudi should be held accountable. "If anything happens to me today, Sudi should be held accountable. That 40-second call was threatening, and I feel very insecure. My life is in danger," Kiptalam declared. The Parklands Police Station has referred the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further investigation. Kiptalam noted that his YouTube channel is a business, and if anyone has an issue with its content, they are welcome to seek legal redress. "Malema TV is a limited company, with employees. If someone has a problem with our work, they should report it to the police or seek legal action," he stated. According to Kiptalam, the threats included statements like, "Malema, listen, these things you are posting should stop. I am advising you as a friend; we have decided to confront these people." He also claimed Sudi warned him, "I do not want your family to cry like other families." In an interview with The Standard, Kiptalam suspected that the threats were linked to his association with the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. "Sudi is among the Kenya Kwanza leaders who have been urging me to distance myself from the former Deputy President. He has been telling me to cut ties with Gachagua," Kiptalam explained. Sudi did not respond to calls or text messages on his mobile phone. These threats against Kiptalam come amid rising reports of abductions allegedly carried out by state security personnel. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed serious concern over the increase in abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings across the country. The commission recorded 13 abduction cases in the last three months, bringing the total number of reported abductions since June of last year to 82. At least 29 individuals remain missing. Seven enforced disappearances were reported in December of the previous year, while the National Police Service has denied any involvement. As he expressed fear for his life, Kiptalam also raised concerns about the abduction of young individuals, including Hillary Munge and Elvis Langat, who were seized at Mai Mahiu while on their way to Nairobi. On December 5, 2024, two youths from Bomet County were allegedly abducted under unclear circumstances and are still missing. Chepalungu MP Victor Koech blamed the disappearance of the two on security agencies. The lawmaker says security officers should not continue illegally abducting and detaining citizens as this undermines the right to freedom of expression and movement as enshrined in the Constitution.

YouTuber claims he was threatened by Sudi for criticizing Ruto

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

Similar Articles

Fuel prices remain unchanged despite Middle East tensions

Full-in tray for reappointed nuclear agency chair

End of an era as Kirubi family exits Sidian Bank in multi-billion deal

Naivasha businesses light up as firms rush to showcase Safari Rally-style services

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

YouTuber claims he was threatened by Sudi for criticizing Ruto

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS